June 2026 ACT Update

Through collaboration and a dynamic partner network, ACT’s call-to-action is to mobilize its members to transform shared challenges into actionable, results-oriented innovation resources for airports.

ACT Hosts Annual CEO Steering Group Meeting in Los Angeles

ACT recently hosted its Annual CEO Steering Group meeting, bringing together 28 airport directors representing 31 airports from across the country. The meeting featured keynote remarks from Simon Newitt of BETA Technologies, followed by a briefing on the ACT Insights initiative, focused on leveraging AI-guided workflows to support procurement processes at airports. The session highlighted ACT’s continued commitment to advancing innovation and operational transformation throughout the aviation industry.

Simon Newitt of BETA Technologies addressed the ACT CEO Steering Group at this year’s annual meeting, highlighting the growing role of electric aviation and BETA’s vision for advancing next-generation air mobility infrastructure.

ACT Insights Initiative Enters Pilot Phase

AAAE’s ACT Insights initiative continues to gain momentum, with 17 airports now participating in the effort. More than 2,000 procurement-related documents have already been ingested into the AI-powered tool, which is being developed to help streamline procurement scoping and administrative workflows at airports.

The initiative officially enters its pilot and early testing phase on June 1. Airports interested in learning more about participation opportunities are encouraged to contact Jeremy Valcich, C.M., ACE, IACE.

A list of participating airports can be found here.

Leidos Joins ACT Cyber Initiative to Strengthen Airport Incident Response Efforts

Leidos has joined the ACT Cyber Initiative in collaboration with Mead & Hunt and Air Sheriff to help strengthen airport preparedness, response, and recovery efforts related to cybersecurity incidents. The initiative will gather airport feedback on current incident response practices and real-world experiences, assess cyber insurance challenges and requirements, and explore the feasibility of regional mutual aid approaches for cyber incidents. Airports interested in contributing to the effort are encouraged to get involved and share their perspectives as the project moves forward.

Help Shape the Future of Airport Digitization 

Thursday, June 11 | 1-2 pm ET  

ACT’s Airport Digitization Task Force is relaunching with a new industry initiative focused on developing a national benchmarking tool to help airports assess and compare their digital maturity across operational and passenger-facing environments. Developed in partnership with Arup, the effort aims to create a common industry framework that will help airports better understand where they are in their digitization journeys and make more informed decisions as they modernize operations. Please complete this survey if you are interested in receiving a meeting invitation. 

Save the Date

First-Ever ACT All Members Call

Wednesday, July 29, 1-2 pm ET 

ACT will launch its first-ever quarterly All Members Call in July 2026. The call will provide participating airports and industry partners with updates on active initiatives, upcoming innovation events, pilot opportunities, and other program developments. Our goal is to promote transparency and continue highlighting the industry-leading work helping drive innovation across the airport community. Additional details will be shared soon. 

Future Date to be Announced

ACT | SYR Innovation Event

ACT plans to host its next Innovation Event at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). The event will feature participation from stakeholders including Delta Air Lines, BETA Technologies, Joby Aviation and NUAIR, among others, and will focus on the evolving future of advanced air mobility, airport electrification, and other emerging aviation technologies. Additional details and registration information will be shared in the coming months. 

Growing the ACT Innovation Network

ACT now represents a robust community of 79 stakeholders — including 62 airports, 16 industry partners, and 1 federal research partner — all collaborating to help accelerate innovation across the airport community.

Thank You to Our Members!

Our members are the driving force behind every advancement we make in the airport industry. Ready to play a more active role in shaping what comes next? Reach out to Jeremy Valcich, C.M., ACE, IACE, to get involved.